CN1738554A - Apparel customization system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The garment facility produces custom-made garments based on the body curves and preferences of the customer. Various styles of try-on garments are selected by the customer. The tailor retrieves one or more base patterns associated with the try-on garment. The base pattern pieces are marked and adjusted according to the body curves and fit preferences of the customer and assembled into a sample garment for fitting. The marked template sheet is recorded and transmitted as digital data to the cutting machine. Multiple try-on garments can be combined into a new sample garment. A favorite garment of the customer may be recorded as digital data for reproducing the custom-made garment.

Description

Apparel customization system and method

technical field

The present invention relates to the production of apparel, and more particularly, to a system and method for providing custom-made apparel to customers, such as a system and method for customizing apparel based on a customer's preference for fit and style of apparel.

Background technique

One of the ways the apparel industry makes money is by mass-producing a handful of sizes. T-shirts, for example, are usually only available in small, medium, and large sizes. One size fits all is also a common sizing specification for certain garments.

Even though some garments come in 10 or more sizes, most consumers are unable to pick a fit from the available sizes. Imagine a customer with a large waist and thin legs. When he buys trousers, he often encounters the problem that the trouser legs are too loose or the waist is too tight. A customer may also find pants that fit but not like the style.

Such problems have changed significantly in the apparel industry. For example, some clothing stores offer many different styles of trousers, hoping to satisfy the needs of most customers. However, differences in people's body shapes and different preferences for the degree of fit make it impossible to meet the needs of every customer.

Some clothing manufacturers provide customers with tailor-made facilities to facilitate customers to visit the measurement site or submit size data to the facility. Field services can employ many methods of sizing, from computer-controlled body-scanning techniques to utilizing tape measures. Once the customer's body contours have been determined, a customer-specific garment can be produced.

Often these facilities are not satisfactory to consumers because it is not enough to use only body contour measurements when making garments. This size does not include consumer fit requirements and style preferences for clothing.

Also, from time to time, garment manufacturers invite customers to tour the facility so they can try on clothes that have been improvised from measurements. After a try-on, the customer has the option to make minor adjustments in the final sewing to make the garment fit better and more closely match the desired style. But since the material is cut to pre-measured dimensions, adjustments in fit and style will be limited by how much material is left. Furthermore, manufacturers using this method to offer custom garments to customers need to give customers at least two in-person visits to the fitting facility. Customers with a strong sense of time expect a service system that minimizes the number of visits.

Another approach, taken by some manufacturers, is the use of styled garments to better ascertain customer fit preferences. For example, US Patent No. 5,680,314 describes a partially finished shaped garment having unsewn, extended overlapping seams. Once the customer wears the garment, they can specify the fit requirements, and the size of the garment is then recorded.

However, the finished portion of this shaped garment will limit the degree of fit a customer can obtain. Because, only the unfinished part can allow flexible adjustment to conform to the customer's body curve, or to adjust according to the customer's preferences. Therefore, if the finish does not suit the customer's body shape or style preferences, then the garment customization fails.

When designing a garment, if the adjustment of the unfinished part of the garment does not match the finished part, it will look very incongruous. Often, if modifications are made to the unfinished part, the finished part also needs to be modified to ensure the proper drape and shape of the garment.

For example, if the finished part of a pant suit has been cut into a straight fit, the unfinished part cannot be flared. If the changes in the unfinished part do not match the finished part, the garment will sag inappropriately and the design and fit of the garment will fail.

Finally, the partially completed shaped garment is measured at each measuring point corresponding to the indicator on the shaped garment, and the customer's fit requirements are recorded. Indicators include lines, color markers, numbers or combinations thereof. If facility workers do not properly document customer sizing preferences, then there is no way to check the accuracy of the final product.

Furthermore, when a fitting garment is marked with a curved line during the fitting process, such as to indicate the flared leg shape of trousers, this curved line may not be recorded due to the limited number of measurement points. Increasing the number of measurement points improves the situation but also increases the possibility of erroneous recordings.

Therefore, we still need to provide a method to make clothes that are truly customized for customers.

Contents of the invention

According to the embodiments described herein, try-on garments are made from several basic templates, which are retrieved, marked with the customer's body shape, fit requirements, and style preferences, and then modified and combined based on the marks to produce into a sample garment. The marked sample garment is scanned to generate customer data. Next steps include cutting the material based on customer data and then sewing the material into custom garments.

In addition, the present invention also discloses a system for making custom-made garments for customers, including a plurality of pieces of try-on garments, and each piece of try-on garments is related to one or more basic templates, and these basic templates will be modified, combined to create a sample garment for a customer to try on. The recording system includes at least one image processing device, and the image processing device records one or more sample pieces of the sample garment as digitized data. In some embodiments, the system further includes a cutting machine for cutting the fabric according to the digitized data. The system may also include a sample holder for securing the position of one or more sample garments during recording operations.

Advantages and other features of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims that follow.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a group of clothing customization facilities according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a piece of try-on pant suit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be used in an example of the garment customization facility in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 illustrates the modification of a base template according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4A is a side view of a scanning machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will be used in an example of the garment customization facility in Figure 1;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of a template holder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will be used in an example of the garment customization facility in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a basic template diagram of trousers according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will be used in an example of the garment customization facility in Figure 1;

Fig. 6 is the operational flowchart of the clothing customization facility in Fig. 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

7A is a schematic diagram of recovering image data, specification data and customer information from customer data according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

7B is a diagram illustrating the availability of image data, specification data, and customer information in customer data in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an operation example of the clothing customization facility shown in Fig. 1, after the customer selects many pieces of clothing to try on, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, several pieces of clothing to try on are combined to make a Sample clothing for new styles;

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the basic template combination principle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

10A and FIG. 10B respectively draw a diagram according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention before and after a garment is scanned;

Figure 11 is a flow chart of an example of the operation of the garment customization facility shown in Figure 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to create customized garments from the customer's favorite garments;

Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the garment customization facility shown in Figure 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, custom garments are designed at a remote location by tailors within the facility.

Detailed ways

Typically, according to the embodiments described herein, a group of clothing facilities will create custom garments based on a customer's body shape, fit, and style preferences. And the sample clothes that are combined by one or more basic templates provide convenience for customers to try on.

Each sample garment is made from a basic template that has been marked and modified by a tailor or other equipment personnel, and is made according to the customer's fit requirements and actual body curves. The tagged sample garments are then scanned and information about the tags and desired modifications are passed as data to the cutting machine. The material of the custom-made garment is then cut according to the design data, and the cut parts are sewn together to make a custom-made garment. Multiple sample garments made from various base patterns can serve as prototypes for other custom garments.

An example of a facility 100 of this invention for making custom garments is depicted in FIG. 1 . The facility 100 includes a plurality of try-on garments 200, each associated with one or more base templates 210 of adjustable design. A sample garment 50 made from one or more base templates 210 (typically associated with a try-on garment 200, but may be associated with several) is scanned by the scanner system 10, and the scanned image of the sample garment 50 is digitized Processed as customer data 20 for easy preservation and future retrieval. This data may be provided immediately to the tailoring machine 30 for use in creating a custom garment 300 according to the customer's shape and fit preferences, or for retrieval at a later date when tailoring. Preferably, the clipper 30 is co-located with the scanner system 10, but could also be located at a remote location.

The basic template 210 involved here is an independent template piece that makes up the try-on garment 200, such as the front piece of the left leg, the back yoke, and the like. Give the basic template 210 of the try-on clothing 200 shown in Figure 2 (a piece of trousers) as an example, including a left leg front panel 110-A, a right leg front panel 110-B, a left leg rear panel ( not shown), a right leg back piece (not shown in the figure), a left back shoulder piece (not shown in the figure), a right back shoulder piece (not shown in the figure), a trousers top piece 170-A, a front Pocket panels 140-A and 140-B, and a rear pocket panel (not shown).

In one embodiment, the try-on clothing 200 can be classified according to the type of clothing such as trousers, skirts, women's clothing and other standards. For each different style of try-on clothing, there may be several basic templates for making sample clothing 50 . For example, the category of "trousers" in one embodiment may include flared-leg pants, straight-leg pants, low-waist pants, leggings, cropped pants, and the like. Obviously, although Fig. 1 has only depicted a try-on garment 200 (such as a skirt) of a class A, there can be many (as miniskirts, long skirts, tight skirts, etc.) Each style has its own associated try-on clothing 200.

In one embodiment, each try-on garment 200 is associated with a unique try-on garment identifier (TID) 46 and each base template 210 is associated with a unique base template identifier (BID) 48 . The TID and BID are printed or attached where the fitting garment 200 and base template 210 are visible. Each TID 46 and BID 48 is stored in the database 250, which can be accessed from the customized clothing facility 100. Database 250 as used herein refers to a storage device such as a hard drive, optical drive (such as a CD or DVD drive), tape drive, or other type of storage device whether or not built with associated database software (such as Oracle or Microsoft Access).

In database 250 and/or using associated software, TID 46 and BID 48 are interconnected, and each TID is used to automatically identify and retrieve one or more BIDs that make up try-on garment 200. Thus, a facility worker or other personnel can use the linked identifier at the custom garment facility 100 to retrieve the associated base templates 210 that make up the try-on garment, or to try on the garment itself. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the first BID (BID1) is associated with the first base template, the second BID (BID2) is associated with the second base template, and the third BID (BID3) is associated with the The three base templates are connected, and so on. The tried-on garment identifier (TID), associated with BID1 and BID2, identifies a combination of basic templates for a style of Class A garment. In one embodiment, the custom apparel facility 100 may store a plurality of try-on apparel 200 and base templates 210 .

Another aspect of the present invention is that each base template 210 can be used as an adjustable design template piece. As shown in FIG. 3 , base form 210 has several side cuts 212 cut out at least around the periphery of a portion of the fabric to form one or more flexible panels 214 . These flexible sheets are easy to bend and will be folded, allowing modifications to the design of the base template. For example, in Figure 3, the bottom left flexible piece is modified to be flared at the bottom of the pant leg. Depending on the texture and design of the garment, the length, shape, number and location of the side cuts can vary.

In one embodiment, based on the customer's preferred try-on garment 200, one or more associated base templates 210 are also retrieved (eg, from the Class A try-on garment exemplified in FIG. 1, base templates #1 and #2 are retrieved retrieve). A customer service representative, such as an on-site tailor, will then mark these base samples with the customer's desired fit, style, and personal body shape. Mark "marking line 52" on each base template (for example, you can use some medium to keep the mark on the base template for a period of time, such as hydrolytic pen or chalk, the handwriting of the former can disappear naturally after a few days, or use an iron Heating on the writing surface can also make the writing disappear immediately, please visit http://www.squaresmachinery.com/adger.htm). In a manner similar to custom garments, marking lines 52 identify any portion of a template piece that is to be modified, eg, how a template piece is combined with an adjacent template piece, based on the customer's fit requirements.

The marking line 52 is carefully marked on the base form modifiable flexible sheet 214 during marking of the base form. In addition, the try-on garment 200 and the associated base template 210 have reference marks 104 at the same positions for assisting the tailor in locating modification points on the base template from the try-on garment. For example, a customer is trying on a try-on garment 200, and the tailor has in his/her disposition a complete set of unsewn base patterns associated with the try-on garment. The tailor can then take advantage of the reference marks 104 on the try-on garment 200 worn by the customer, and determine and identify points of modification on the unsewn base template based on the customer's fit and preferences, without the need to use a measuring tape or otherwise make the customer uncomfortable Methods.

By modifying and combining one or more basic template pieces according to the marking lines 52, the tailor creates a sample garment 50. The base pattern is assembled before the sample garment is tried on by the customer, such as with thread, snaps, tape, Velcro or other methods. In one embodiment, the base templates are joined with thread and a sewing method (referred to as "chain stitch"). The "chain stitch" can be sewn with factory-type sewing machines, such as those widely used in most garment factories. But there is also a special point in the "chain stitch method". Once one thread is loose and broken, all the threads will fall off. Other methods for securely attaching and easily separating modified base patterns have become apparent to workers in the garment industry, such as the use of cut fibres. Wire straps or Velcro can also be used to secure the rear pockets in place.

The sample garment 50 can be made from one or more base templates 210, depending on the garment style. Moreover, since each basic template is a template piece with an adjustable design, the same basic template piece can be modified in many ways to produce sample garments of various styles. In addition, basic samples taken from different styles of try-on garments 200 can be modified and selectively combined with each other to create a brand new sample garment. For example, the front pant legs of a sample garment may be from the base template associated with the first garment try on, while the rear pant legs may be from the base template associated with the second garment try on. The garment customization facility 100 allows customers to personally express the characteristics required for each garment and alternately use these characteristics to make sample garments 50 for trying on. For example, a customer can choose a piece of clothing 200 to try on, so that one or more basic templates 210 are retrieved, and the customer can also discuss with the associated staff of the clothing facility 100 how to modify these basic templates to obtain the required characteristics.

In addition, the customer can select two or more try-on garments 200 of different styles, and combine their design styles to create a new style. Another embodiment of this invention will be described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, a unique sample garment identifier (SID) 32 is assigned to the final garment during the process of ordering a garment by a customer (including selecting a try-on garment 200 and marking the associated base template 210 as described above). Sample clothing 50. Each SID 32 is stored in database 250 similarly to try-on identifier (TID) 46 and base template identifier (BID) 48 . In one embodiment, when the custom garment 300 is finalized, its associated SID 32 is printed or attached to the garment. Therefore, at a later time, it is easy to obtain the SID 32 for taking out the data of the sample garment, for making the sample garment again, or ordering the custom-made garment 300 again.

In addition, the structure of the sample garment 50 is stored in the database 250 . For example, a sample garment 50 comprising base template #1 and base template #2 would thus be recorded in database 250 . Subsequently, the sample garment can be modified, such as replacing one of the base templates with a base template of a try-on garment 200 of a different style. Clothing customization facility 100 can therefore provide a large number of fitting options.

In addition, each customer is assigned a unique customer identifier (CID) 26 when ordering custom garments from sample garments 50 for the first time. The CID 26 is associated with customer information, such as billing address, shipping address, measurements of various parts of the customer's body, history of ordering custom clothing (SID) by the customer, etc., and these customer information will be stored in the database 250 . Additionally, in one embodiment, the database is network accessible so that custom apparel facility personnel can access the database from any remote location in the world. In addition, the customer can also send the SID printed or attached to the customized garment 300 to the garment facility through a data communication network, such as the Internet, so as to order the customized garment again. Security measures that are well known in the industry restrict access to CIDs and other information in database 250 to only authorized personnel.

Ideally, the try-on identifier (TID), base template identifier (BID), sample garment identifier (SID) and customer identifier (CID) would be joined in the database. The customer's CID can be linked with the BID and SID obtained during the try-on process, but the customer's personal information of each CID in the database 250 will not be disclosed to others. But the association of a CID with specific BIDs and SIDs does not exclude BIDs and SIDs being used by another customer. In other words, once the base model/fit-on combination is stored in the database, it may be used by other customers besides the original customer.

After the various marked and modified base templates are assembled and tried on by the customer, and the customer is satisfied with the fit and design, the sample garment 50 is disassembled and scanned by the scanner system 10 . The scanner system is used to identify the marking lines 52 on each pattern piece, thereby generating digital data displayed as customer data 20, including the marking lines 52 of the digital data showing how the base pattern was modified and connected to make a sample garment, below The scanner system will be described in detail.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, computer system 22 is coupled to scanner system 10 . Computer system 22 may be a personal computer or other microprocessor system, such as a desktop, laptop or tablet computer, for executing instructions of the software. The computer system includes an input device (not shown), such as a keyboard, mouse or stylus, which the tailor can use to make adjustments to the marking lines before the customer data 20 is generated. The computer system may also include a video panel or display 78 for displaying scanned images of the base templates of the various sample garments 50 marked for the customer. Although the custom apparel facility 100 is described as one connected entity, it may be divided into two or more separate facilities. For example, customer data 20 generated by scanner system 10 at one location may be transmitted to a remote location where clipper 30 operates, such as a factory. Additionally, computer system 22 may be distributed across various locations. Some or all of scanning system 10 and computer system 22 (eg, a processor executing one or more programs 24) may also be combined into a single entity.

The computer system 22 includes one or more software programs 24 for controlling the operation of the scanner and fetching image output for identifying the marking lines 52 . The operation of the scanner is generally the same as document scanners commonly used in computer systems today (except that the scanner of this invention may include an up and down scanning camera and an upper inkjet head, described in more detail below). Accordingly, program 24 includes interface and control programs adapted or derived from those skilled in the art for controlling scanner system 10 and sending appropriate commands to the system. An example of the operation of the program 24 is used for illustration. First, it drives the scanner system 10 to roughly scan the entire scanning plate, and displays all scanned images on the display 78 . Secondly, the tailor can designate the area to be scanned in detail (such as the area containing only one template among the various templates displayed in the scanning board 76), and then the program 24 will guide the scanner system 10 to start the detailed scanning operation. The output image data of the detailed scan is converted into a proprietary format or a standard format such as JPEG, TIFF or DXF (DXF is a format widely used in the CAD industry) and other formats for processing color images.

In one aspect of the present invention, the reference lines, guide lines, sizing lines, and marking lines may be marked with different colors, so that those involved in the custom apparel facility 100 can manually distinguish them. Accordingly, the computer program 24 can automatically recognize various markings (for example, a commercial image editing program such as Adobe Photoshop can recognize marking lines by color, so a fully automatic program can be developed). In a preferred embodiment, the computer program 24 is a program or a set of programs that can control the operation of the scanner system 10, extract and convert scanned image data into a desired file format, and scan images from Marked lines are recognized among other lines and markers, and can be further adjusted. A more detailed description will be given below. Accordingly, independently available programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (trademarks of Adobe Inc., San Jose, CA) include routines that allow marking lines to be identified by color contrast with the background color of the sample garment , they can be used together with other commercially used programs or privately developed programs.

In another aspect of the present invention, the computer system 22 also includes a program 24 that allows a tailor or other custom apparel facility 100 associate to inspect and modify the marking line 52 . Other modifications to the marking line, such as seam increase, reduction and other parameters, can be done manually or automatically. In one embodiment, the tailor inspects the marked line 52 of the sample garment 50 by viewing the image data 54 on the display 78 . The marking lines can be adjusted in the image data 54, and these adjustments will be recorded. For example, these adjustments can be done with commercial software, such as Padsystem Software (PAD) (for more information, please visit http://www.padsystem.com/en/Software_MPD.html or contact Padsystem Inc., Montreal, Canada ). If the scanned image is converted to DXF file format, Paite system software can import the file directly. As output data, the DXF format is preferable since it can be directly transferred to the cutter 30 . The DXF format is widely used in the clothing industry of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided management (CAM), and supports color images.

A scanner system that may be used in this invention is depicted in Figure 4A. The scanner includes a motor 74 which operates one or more readheads 72 . One motor 74a controls the movement of the readhead 72 in one direction (eg, the X-axis) and the other motor 74b controls the movement of the readhead in the other direction (eg, the Y-axis). The read head 72 provides one or more cameras to capture images of the garment. Inkjet heads can also be mounted on one or both of the read heads for further marking of garments. A more detailed description will be given below.

In one embodiment, the scanner system 10 includes a transparent table top 76 and two cameras (stored in the multi-function head unit 72), one placed above the table (multi-function head unit 72a) and the other placed under the table (multi-function head unit 72a). function head unit 72b). Place the template on the transparent table, and scan both sides at the same time. Or scan one side first, then scan the other side. In one example, the table top includes air holes 88 connected to a vacuum cleaner or compressor (not shown) to apply suction to the template sheet and prevent movement of the template sheet during scanning.

As shown in FIG. 4B, an optional embodiment of the scanner system 10 may also include a template support 12 for supporting the template sheet in a horizontal position. The template support 12 is to be made into a flat, transparent container (resin glass can be used as material), and the position of various template sheets can be fixed on its inner side. The template support 12 can be assembled in a variety of different styles to support the template sheet. When using the template holder 12, a camera scanner system can be used. After one side of the template is scanned, the template holder 12 is turned over so that the other side is scanned. Make sure that the template piece does not move during the scanning process. Those skilled in the art know that there are many techniques available for recording visual images, so the scanner mentioned in the above description is only one of many possibilities for applying this invention.

The digital profile or customer data 20 includes a digital representation of each sample piece of the sample garment marked for the customer, which is recorded in accordance with the customer's instructions and supplemented by the tailor and/or software program 24 (including seam allowances, shrinkage and other parameters). Using customer data 20, sample garments 50 can be reproduced at any time.

Generally, no flat pattern is generated. Instead, the customer data 20 is directly transmitted to the cutting machine 30, the material for making the garment is selected, and then the customer data 20 is used to cut the material. Therefore, when the cutting machine determines the cutting position of the material, it is based on the customer data 20 instead of printing the template map. If desired, the template can also be printed on paper using customer data 20 for cutting. Garment pieces can then be hand-cut using more traditional flat paper patterns, a technique well known in the apparel industry.

FIG. 5 illustrates in more detail the use of a complete set of base templates 210 to create a sample garment (eg, a pair of pants). Base panels 210 may be front leg panel 110 , rear leg panel 120 , back yoke 152 , waistband 170 , back pocket 130 , and front pocket 140 . These base templates 210 are but one of many possible base templates that can be retrieved from trying on a style and style of garment 200 to create sample garment 50 .

As shown in FIG. 5, a size line can be marked along the outer border of the basic template 210 (in FIG. 5, the waistband 170 and the front and rear pockets are not marked, but such a size line can also be marked). In one embodiment, each adjacent size line represents a unique size for a garment. Thus, a first size line 122 represents a first reference size of the garment, a second size line 124 represents a size slightly larger than the reference size 122 , and a third size line 126 represents a size slightly smaller than the reference size 122 . Although three marking lines are described here, the pattern piece may have only one marking line or multiple marking lines, each representing a different size of the garment.

In addition, the guide line 128 can help the tailor to determine the distance between each size line, or add other lines related to this technique for more detailed hints. The tailor can also use the inseam line 118 to determine the size of the garment for the customer. The pocket position line 116 is used as a reference line for determining the position of the rear pocket.

Additionally, in one embodiment, some base templates 210 include a horizontal line 112 , a vertical line 114 and an origin 106 . The horizontal line, the vertical line and the origin can be used as reference lines and reference points. For example, a unique sample garment can be produced by combining 200 trial garments of different styles, which will be described in detail below.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of garment customization facility 100 according to one embodiment. First, the customer selects a try-on garment 200 (box 402), from which one or more associated base templates 210 are retrieved. The tailor then marks the base template 210 (block 404), as described above, to conform to the customer's body shape and fit and style preferences. The tailor adjusts and combines the one or more basic templates 210 to create a sample garment 50 that the customer can try on (block 406). In one embodiment, the tailor obtains the one or more base templates 210 from a tried-on garment identifier (TID) 46 or other identifier stored in the database 250 .

Since the sample garments are adjusted and combined according to the customer's fit and shape preferences, no other adjustments are required, but if the customer needs to make further adjustments, such as tight fitting in a certain part of the garment, then the tailor first tries it on the customer Make a mark on the sample garment, then get back to the step of marking the base template to readjust the sample garment (frame 408). In addition, customer preferences regarding garment length, pocket location, pocket shape, and other features can also be adjusted. These sizing techniques are well known in the apparel industry.

The marking lines 52 of each base template 210 comprising the try-on garment show the portion of the design modification and the location of the marked template pieces in relation to one or more other base templates. The marking line 52 is preferably very clear, but can be wiped off or disappear naturally, such as hydrolytic pens, chalk, ink or other instruments that can make traces remain on the basic template for a limited time.

After the tailor has marked the base template, in some cases the marking line 52 will break (ie not connect). The tailor can infer a more coherent and smooth line from the various markings, for example using a ruler. Accordingly, in another embodiment, once a sample garment marked by a customer has been scanned, a software program 24 running on a computer system (such as PAD system software) can be used to extract from several broken, disconnected lines. A smooth marker line was inferred by hand. In the future, it may be possible to design software that uses pattern recognition or other techniques to automatically infer coherent marker lines.

In the traditional application of custom clothing technology, a customer puts on a fixed garment marked with size indicators. Size indicators can be as detailed as possible, such as using different colors, markings arranged in alphabetical or numerical order, and so on. The tailor adjusts the garment to the customer's preferences and then records a size indicator, usually a series of numbers, letters, or other markings that indicate that the openings of the finished garment fit together. Records can be written on an order form for custom garments or on a blank piece of paper.

However, if only the size designators are recorded, subsequent inspection of the garment is limited to the recorded size designators. Because the size indicators are recorded based on visual observation, possible errors are not revealed until the customer tries them on. In other words, if a tailor or other worker mistakenly records a size indicator, there is no way to check the accuracy of the finished product.

On the contrary, the clothing customization facility 100 can record the actual size information (such as each marking line 52 on each marked sample piece of the sample clothing) by making a real visual image of the clothing. The scanner system 10 then records each template piece and each mark line. Afterwards, the customer data 20 generated by being scanned as a real visual image can be retrieved. The tailor's actual markings on sample garments can be recovered indefinitely by the garment customization facility 100 without the need for a pen to record what is seen.

Returning to FIG. 6, once the template pieces of each sample garment are marked with marking lines 52, the template pieces are placed on the scanner (block 410) and customer data 20 is generated. In one embodiment, the sample garment 50 can be disassembled and each sample piece can be scanned independently in planar shape. Accordingly, the stand 12 can be used to support sample garments to be scanned without taking them apart, for example using the "choose favorite garment" procedure described below. Images of both the marker line 52 and the template sheet are recorded (block 412). If desired, customer data 20 may be adjusted for seam allowance, reduction and other parameters (block 414).

Once customer data 20 is generated by computer system 22, it is sent to a cutting facility, such as cutting machine 30 (block 416). As mentioned above, the cutting facility may be remote from the scanner system 10 . Transmission of digital data to remote facilities can be accomplished through a variety of means common to this technology, such as data communication networks including the Internet. Once the cutting facility receives the required customer data 20, the garment's material is cut (block 418). The cut fabric (eg, material conforming to each custom base template 210 ) is sewn together (block 420 ) in a manner commonly used in the apparel industry to create the custom garment 300 .

As shown in FIG. 7A, as the customer's marked sample garment 50 is scanned into digitized customer data 20, image data 54 associated with the sample garment is obtained. Additionally, in one embodiment, non-image data such as specification data 56 and customer information 58 are also generated. This additional data will be described in more detail below.

The image data 54 generated from the customer data 20 may be modified to include various parameters such as seam head, reduction, volume, and the like. Accordingly, the image data 54 may represent adjustments to the customer's marked sample garment 50 . However, as additional parameters may be added automatically, such as by the software program 24 or manually, these parameters may also be removed automatically or manually, accordingly. Thus, the image data 54 may represent both the sample garment 50 marked by the customer and the sample garment including additional data.

Specification data 56 is non-image data added or extracted from scanned visual image data 54 . The added data in the image data includes seam head, reduction amount and other parameters for changing the marking line 52 . The specification data 56 extracted from the image data may show the length and width of a template piece, the distance from the origin 106 of the X-Y coordinates to each marking line, and the like. This data can be in DXF or other file formats. In one embodiment, the specification data may also include a try-on identifier (TID), a base template identifier (BID) and a sample garment identifier (SID) to identify the try-on that was used and assigned at the time of the customer's order. Garments, base patterns, and sample garments.

Image data 54 and specification data 56 can be retrieved at a workstation located at the sewing location due to the ease of duplication of digital material. The workstation can be a personal computer, a mainframe computer or terminal, or other processor system capable of displaying image data 54 and specification data 56 . For example, in FIG. 7B, image data 54 and specification data 56 may be displayed on a display 78, such as a computer monitor coupled to a processor system. In addition, multiple workstations can simultaneously access image data and specification data for a customer as needed.

In addition to making a custom garment 300 based on a try-on garment 200, the custom-made garment facility 100 also allows combining a plurality of try-on garments so that a new try-on garment 50 can basically be made.

According to one embodiment, the flowchart of FIG. 8 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 9 describe the operation process of combining two try-on garments. The operation process in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is described by using two try-on garments and related basic templates as an example. However, the principles described here can be extended to any number of try-on garments and their associated base patterns.

In FIG. 8, the customer selects two try-on garments 200 from among the try-on garments available in the garment customization facility 100 (box 502). Based on the selected try-on garments, each base template 210 associated with the first try-on garment is retrieved and scanned as first image data 54 . Subsequently, each base template associated with the second try-on garment is retrieved and scanned as second image data 54 (block 504).

Accordingly, the first and second try-on garments 200 need not be scanned to obtain the image data 54 of the base template, but instead the TID 46 associated with each try-on garment is entered into the computer system. The BID 48 and base template image data 54 associated with each TID can be retrieved from the database 250 . Likewise, the printed or attached SID 32 on the customized garment 300 can be used to take out the image data 54 of the basic model, and can also be combined with the image data 54 of the tried-on garment to create a new sample garment.

Once the image of the garment being tried on is obtained, the two images are combined (block 506). In one embodiment, reference lines (eg, horizontal line 112 and vertical line 114 ) and reference points (eg, origin 106 ) facilitate combination of images. Next, a third image is constructed from the combined images (block 508).

The third image is printed on the first or second base template (or other suitable base template) using the inkjet head 72a above the scanner system 10 so that the lines of the third image can be printed on the flexible sheet 214. fit, thereby making a third customized base template (block 510). Where appropriate, marking lines 52 are added to the base template to deduce a smooth line from several broken, disconnected marking lines (block 512). The tailor then modifies and combines the one or more base patterns 210 to create a sample garment 50 for the customer to try on (block 514). Finally, the customized sample garments are recorded and sent to a cutting machine (block 516), completing the operation.

When the scanner system 10 prints the lines of the third image on the surface of the suitable base template 210 , first, the camera mounted on the reading head 72 recognizes and records the position of the base template on the scanning table 76 . The tailor can then use the computer system 22 to overlay the third image data 54 on the basic template on the scanning table 76 and guide the printing of the marking lines at the appropriate positions. In one embodiment, software program 24 may automatically overlay the two images at a specific location by virtue of horizontal line 112 , vertical line 114 , and origin 106 .

In FIG. 9, a pant leg template 142 (style A) is combined with another pant leg template 144 (style B) to create a new pant leg template 146 (A+B). Likewise, back yoke 132 and back yoke 134 combine to form back yoke 136 . In the combined pant leg template 146 and the back yoke 136, the horizontal reference line 112 and the vertical reference line 114 overlap together. A new base template 210a is formed from the combined base template (A+B). On the template where some marking lines are not connected, adjust the marking lines. This adjustment can be done by a tailor or software program 24 .

In the process of combining, if the first piece of clothing tried on is a loose size, the second piece of clothing combined with the first piece is generally a loose size. Consistent adjustments can make the marking lines consistent when combining the templates. However, combinations of styles, tailoring skills and customer needs may cause inconsistent sizing.

Bonding can be done using a ruler or other tools familiar in the industry to connect broken threads, or to make modifications on two or more try-on garments. Correspondingly, bonding can also be accomplished using the computer system 22 . Depending on how much of the try-on garments 200 and base templates 210 are available in the garment customization facility 100, or based on the amount of image data 54 in the database 250, the ability to combine templates can increase the style of custom garments.

Additionally, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the custom apparel facility 100 can accept a customer's "favorite" garment, which is then scanned and recorded for later use. The flowchart of Figure 11 depicts an example of a process for converting favorite garments into digital design data. In one embodiment, upon receipt of garments from customers (block 602), favorite garments are placed and secured on a stand, such as sample stand 12 in FIG. 4B. As shown in Figure 10A, the stand 12 allows the garment to be held in a horizontal position so that the garment appears in a two-dimensional shape without being disassembled (block 604). The garments are then scanned and recorded. According to the different characteristics of each garment, different parts can be scanned separately. Figure 10B shows a scanned image 62 according to one embodiment (the strip of fabric on the right is cut from the front left leg piece. It will be joined to the rear left leg template to form the original rear left leg template, which will be used below as A detailed description).

Correspondingly, the garment can be disassembled, and each model piece can be scanned planarly. This method is suitable for garments with seam folds. A customer may bring a favorite garment, such as a discontinued dress (box 606). In the custom garment facility 100, the garment is disassembled and the scanned image 62 is obtained (block 608).

According to one embodiment, the newly scanned garment is divided in computer system 22 by software program 24 into a number of two-dimensional base templates. The software program 24 may automatically or manually locate the sutures on the garment and separate the scanned image into various template pieces (block 610). Commercially available software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator can be used for this splitting operation and combining operation. Once all the template pieces are combined and the original template is formed, it can be saved as image data 54 (block 612). For example, as shown in Figure 10B, a strip of cloth cut from the front left leg would be attached to the left rear leg template to form the original left rear leg template. In this way, an original sample of a customer's favorite garment can be made at the garment customization facility 100 and new customer data 20 generated (block 614).

In one embodiment, newly scanned garments may be added to the database of base templates 210 . For example, a customer brings a pair of outdated trousers. At the custom clothing facility 100, as described above, the trousers can be scanned to obtain an image and generate design data. That way, styles from the out-of-date trousers or other scanned garments can be made available to other customers. In addition, newly scanned garments can be combined with other base patterns to generate new styles.

As shown in FIG. 12 , accordingly, the customized clothing facility 100 can also operate with a remote measuring facility (remote store) away from the customized clothing facility. Personnel (such as an employee, such as a tailor) of the remote store will provide a number of try-on garments 200 for the customer to try on (block 702).

After the customer picks out the clothes he likes to try on (block 704), the tailor of the remote store will communicate with the personnel of the custom-made clothing facility 100 (such as the tailor of the facility). In one embodiment, the tailor operating the facility may communicate with the remote store via a television or web conferencing system, including cameras, microphones, speakers, etc. (block 706). Tailors at a facility are more experienced than those at a remote store when it comes to preparing custom garments.

As mentioned above, it is best to mark each try-on garment with a TID46 in order to distinguish it from other try-on garments. In database 250, TID 46 is associated with BID 48, and each TID is used to automatically identify and retrieve one or more basic templates 210 that make up the try-on garment 200 associated with the BID. Thus, using the identifier on the garment facility, the facility tailor can retrieve the relevant base templates 210 that make up the try-on garment, or the try-on garment itself. The base sample and garment try-on are the same at both the remote store and the garment facility (block 708). Via a video or other conferencing system, the facility tailor discusses any modifications to the customer's selected try-on garment 200 (block 710). The tailor of the remote store assists in measuring the length of the customer, etc., and exchanges information with the tailor of the custom clothing facility. The remote store may also employ a three-dimensional scanning system for automatically transmitting information about the customer's body contours to the facility tailor (block 712). In another embodiment, a tailor at a remote store may be in contact with a tailor at another remote store rather than a facility tailor.

Based on the information obtained from the remote store, the facility tailor draws marking lines 52 on each of the retrieved basic templates, adjusts the design, then scans the marked basic templates to generate new design data (image data 54 and specification data 56) ( block 714). According to one embodiment, the tailor at the remote store simultaneously arranges one or more identical base templates on the scanning table 76 (block 716). After receiving the new design data from the garment facility, the remote tailor utilizes the computer system 22 to overlay the image data 54 of the new design data with the base template (block 718). A computer network or other technology can be used to transmit new design data from the apparel facility to the remote store. The inkjet head mounted on the scan head 72a prints the marking lines 52 of the new design data in place (block 720). As mentioned above, the reference line and origin on the base template 210 will help the computer system 22 to automatically or manually determine the position of the marker line 52 on the base template.

In one embodiment, the clothing facility tailor can use the computer system 22 to display the base template on the display 78 and manually add the marking lines 52 to the image data 54 via the software program 24, allowing remote design without having to arrange the base template. Additionally, the facility tailor can operate the computer system 22 and scanner system 10 from the garment facility with on-line access to the remote store's computer system 22 and scanner system 10 according to methods well known in the factory automation industry. In the remote store, after the marking line is printed on the basic template, the tailor here can adjust and combine each basic template according to the marking line to make a sample garment 50 (frame 722) for the customer to try on.

Since the invention allows for various modifications and alternative forms, various embodiments are presented explicitly by means of illustrative drawings and detailed description. It should be noted, however, that the illustrations and descriptions herein are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention covers various modifications, equivalent replacements and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. substitute.

Claims (63)

1, a kind of system that makes creation for client comprises:

Can be according to the patterns of client's preference label mark line;

Be used to generate the scanning system of the image of markd patterns; With

Receive the image of markd patterns and measure the computer system of mark line position thus from scanning system.

2, system according to claim 1, wherein, patterns is to represent a slice of try-on garment of a kind of style of class clothes.

3, system according to claim 2, wherein, try-on garment has identical guide line with patterns, and described guide line is used for determining and arranging the position of mark line.

4, system according to claim 3, wherein, guide line comprises many size line corresponding to the different garment size.

5, system according to claim 3, wherein, guide line comprises reference line relevant with patterns and initial point.

6, system according to claim 1, wherein, computer system generates specification data according to image, specification data represented patterns according to the modification of mark line measure size.

7, system according to claim 6 also comprises the clip system that receives specification data and cut out the fabric that has the size of revising patterns.

8, system according to claim 7, wherein, the fabric of cutting is sewn, makes creation.

9, system according to claim 6 also comprises the database that stores specification data.

10, system according to claim 9, wherein, this database also stores Customer Information, and specification data and client are connected.

11, system according to claim 1, wherein, scanning system comprises transparent rack, this transparent rack is used at scanning process brace foundation model.

12, system according to claim 11, wherein, this transparent rack is fully smooth, transparent container, independently part is arranged up and down, being suitable for receiving respectively patterns, and being fixed together and being used to support the patterns of reception, make patterns fully remain on smooth shape.

13, system according to claim 1, wherein, scanning system comprises adsorbent equipment, makes patterns holding position in scanning constant.

14, system according to claim 1, wherein, this scanning system makes patterns keep smooth in scanning process, and comprises the device of scanning patterns upper and lower surface.

15, system according to claim 1, wherein, patterns comprises one or more sides rabbet, forms one or more flexible sheets, mark line is marked on the flexible sheets.

16, system according to claim 15, wherein, mark line is marked on the flexible sheets, is used to revise the design of patterns.

17, system according to claim 2, wherein, mark line has pointed out that patterns and other patterns constitute the compound mode of a kind of style of certain class clothes.

18, system according to claim 1, wherein, mark line will be made with medium highly clearly.

19, system according to claim 18, wherein, medium is one of hydrolysis pen, chalk and ink highly clearly.

20, system according to claim 18, wherein, medium is can eliminate or the medium of Lock-out highly clearly.

21, system according to claim 17 wherein, with patterns and the combination of other patterns, forms sample garment with device for fastening.

22, system according to claim 21, wherein, device for fastening is one of fastener, tape, Velcro and line.

23, system according to claim 1, wherein, computer system comprises the display of reading scan image.

24, system according to claim 1, wherein, computer system comprises the software of gated sweep system.

25, system according to claim 1, wherein, computer system comprises the software that is used to revise mark line.

26, system according to claim 25, wherein, modification is according to comprising that margin to seam, reduction volume, appearance position amount the one or more of parameter carry out.

27, system according to claim 5, wherein, computer system comprises the software that is used for adjusting mark line before generating specification data.

28, system according to claim 1, wherein, scanning system and computer system are isolated.

29, system according to claim 6, wherein, clip system and scanning system are isolated.

30, system according to claim 6, wherein, one or more scanning systems, computer system and scanning system utilize data communication network to exchange mutually.

31, system according to claim 1 also comprises the database that patterns and base pattern identifier BID are linked.

32, system according to claim 2 also comprises try-on garment and try-on garment identifier TID links and database that patterns and base pattern identifier BID are linked, and BID and TID link.

33, system according to claim 32, wherein, TID on try-on garment as seen.

34, system according to claim 33, wherein, patterns is removed after client selects try-on garment, and utilizes TID to take out relevant BID from database.

35, system according to claim 1, wherein, the sample garment of creation is to make according to the patterns that mark is crossed, sample garment is used for definite and revises the preference of client to creation.

36, system according to claim 35 also comprises the database that stores Customer Information and sample garment identifier SID and client are linked.

37, system according to claim 36, wherein, SID on creation as seen.

38, system according to claim 36, wherein, database also links patterns and base pattern identifier BID, and BID and SID link.

39, a kind of method of making creation for client comprises:

Prepare patterns;

Preference mark mark line on patterns according to client;

The image of scanning patterns; With

Measure the position of mark line on the patterns.

40,, comprise also from the one or more try-on garment of having made and discern patterns that this try-on garment is represented a kind of style of the class clothes that client selects according to the described method of claim 39.

41,, also be included on try-on garment and the patterns and determine and the mark mark line with identical mark according to the described method of claim 40.

42,, comprise also from image generating specification data that the specification data representative is according to the size of the adjusted patterns of mark line according to the described method of claim 39.

43, according to the described method of claim 42, also comprise the fabric of cutting out size with adjusted patterns.

44, according to the described method of claim 43, also comprise the fabric and the stitching of other fabrics of will cut out, produce creation.

45,, also comprise storing specification data and the data and the client of storage being linked according to the described method of claim 42.

46, according to the described method of claim 40, also comprise the one or more patterns that link with try-on garment of occasional combination, make sample garment.

47,, also comprise parameter adjustment mark line according to one or more margins to seam, reduction volume, Rong Weiliang according to the described method of claim 39.

48, according to the described method of claim 39, wherein, the step of preparing patterns comprises the feature that makes up two or more other patterns.

49, according to the described method of claim 48, wherein, combination step is included on two or more other patterns and arranges horizontal line, ordinate and initial point respectively.

50, according to the described method of claim 39, wherein, the step of preparing patterns comprises:

Receive the favorite clothes of client;

Scan this clothes, generate the digital picture of liking clothes most;

In scan image, discern margin to seam;

With computer system scan image is separated into the numerical data that many covers correspond respectively to a plurality of pattern piece; With

Utilize the numerical data tailoring material, form a plurality of pattern piece; With

Comform and select patterns in various plate.

51, according to the described method of claim 50, wherein, the step of separation scan image comprises the part combination with other models of part and some of some model.

52,, also be included in and store the base pattern identifier BID that links with patterns in the database according to the described method of claim 39.

53, according to the described method of claim 40, also comprise:

In database, store the try-on garment identifier TID that links with try-on garment;

In database, store the base pattern identifier BID that links with patterns; With

Connect TID and BID.

54, according to the described method of claim 53, also comprise TID on try-on garment as seen.

55,, wherein, after client selects try-on garment, take out patterns, and utilize TID to take out relevant BID from database according to the described method of claim 54.

56, a kind of client of being used to makes the scanning system of creation, comprising:

Support is according to client hobby and mark is crossed the device of first patterns of mark line;

The camera of the image of first patterns that the making mark is crossed; With

The ink gun of mark additional marking line on second patterns.

57,, also comprise being used for obtaining the computer system that image is also therefrom measured the position of mark line from camera according to the described scanning system of claim 56.

58, according to the described scanning system of claim 56, wherein, the additional marking line is to measure according to the modification that second patterns requires.

59, according to the described scanning system of claim 58, wherein, the modification of requirement will meet the feature of the 3rd patterns.

60, thereby a kind of facility of first and second different locations that utilizes exchanges the method for making creation by TeleConference Bridge, comprising:

Obtain and transmit the image of client's try-on garment in first place;

The image that shows client in second place;

Two one or more patterns relevant of place identification with clothes;

Preference mark mark line on some patterns according to client; With

Revise and patterns that composite marking is crossed, make the sample garment of creation for client.

61, according to the described method of claim 60, also comprise:

At least scan a patterns in first place, generate design data;

Receive design data in second place;

Send new data to first relevant with patterns at least place; With

In first place according to the new data franking at least one patterns that sends.

62, a kind of method of making creation for client comprises:

Allow client select try-on garment;

Take out one or more patterns of forming try-on garment, all comprise initial point and reference line on each patterns;

Health curve and fit preference label patterns according to client;

Revise patterns according to mark line;

To revise the patterns combination, make the sample garment of creation;

The image of the patterns that mark is crossed is as digital data record; With

Measure the position of mark line according to the initial point on the patterns.

63, according to the described method of claim 62, wherein, the position of mark is the X-Y coordinate measuring that is as the criterion according to initial point.

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